Learn the truth about money and wealth building. I’m going to push back on experts who write about how to build wealth! The articles usually go something like this: Budget yourself silly. Don’t spend any money. Don’t live beyond your means. Pay off all debt. Contribute to your 401k. Have a great life! Lol! Some of these have merit, but some don’t. I’ll go through each point in a minute. I’m going to give you a step-by-step plan. There are two different financial scenarios - one scenario for people that have massive credit card debt and one for those who don’t. Credit card debt and student loans are a real problem that need to be taken care of first. High interest rates compound and grow quickly so the debt will grow fast unless you vigorously attack it. Make them Priority #1! Student loans may be at low interest rate, but it is not excusable in court even in bankruptcy. It’s a permanent weight around your neck that has to go! Let’s revisit the points I mentioned earlier. 1. Budget yourself silly. 2. Don’t spend any money. Budgets can be hazardous to your wealth! Like diets: feel restrictive, want to go off them, can give you a bad relationship to money. 3. Don’t live beyond your means - obviously! Don't get yourself into consumer debt except a mortgage. 4. Pay off all debt - wrong! A mortgage is ok, tax deductible. You need to establish credit. Pay off debt that’s not mortgage debt or business debt that you are successfully using to grow your business. 5. Contribute to your 401k - yes, but it’s not enough if that’s all you do to save and invest! 6. Have a great life! Lol! How can you spend nothing, try to pay off a huge mortgage, pay for kids to go to college and have any money left to enjoy life? The second financial scenario is for people who earn more than they spend. For them I have advice that I call the 6 Steps to Wealth. 1. Create a wealthy mindset Work on a positive mind, thoughts, goals. Repetition. 2. Save a nestegg Save money to invest, need capital to start. 3. Find a mentor Follow people who have successfully made millions, not starving journalist. 4. Invest in a money engine Must invest to create wealth! Can be a business, stocks, real estate, etc. No one way is right, but be smart about valuations you are paying! Money moves in cycles and peaks in bubbles. 5. Compound at a high rate Let your money compound. Try to improve your rate of return. Bank vs. stocks 6. Protect your wealth Don’t lose the wealth you have created. ************************************************* Have you heard? I'm having a summer giveaway through the end of September...you could win: Win 6 awesome prizes: 5 of The Wealthy Mindset Blueprint (audio course): Learn how millionaires think the right thoughts for wealth before it happens (value $197)                                                            OR 1 Wealth Journal (book): Learn the 6 Steps to Wealth (value $67) Here's what you need to do: 1. Leave the "Be Wealthy & Smart" podcast a review on iTunes (or Stitcher Radio for Android). 2. "Like" my Facebook Fan page at http://facebook.com/lindapjonesfanpage (if you're on FB, if not, that's ok). 3. "Follow" me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lindapjones 4. "Follow" me on Instagram @LindaPJones 5. Send me an email @ lpjhome@gmail.com and let me know you did this! (If you're not on FB, TW or IG, that's ok, just send me an email @lpjhome@gmail.com and let me know you left a review). If you've already done all 4 above, great! Thank you! No need to do them again! Just email me @ lpjhome@gmail.com and let me know. All names will be dropped in a hat and a drawing will be done in early October for winners!    Move your net worth in the right direction by getting “11 Quick Financial Tips to Boost Your Wealth” at http://www.lindapjones.com.